Seattle’s New City Attorney Pledges Justice and Compassion For All

Erika J. Evans was officially sworn in Monday as Seattle’s City Attorney, marking a historic moment as the first African American and first African American woman to lead the office. The installation ceremony at Seattle City Hall drew community leaders, elected officials, and residents who came to witness the transition in legal leadership.

Evans, who has spent her career advocating for justice and equity, assumed the role with a clear message about compassion, accountability, and community trust. Her path to this position was shaped by deep family roots in civil rights and public service. She is the granddaughter of Lee Evans, a two-time gold medalist at the 1968 Summer Olympics whose legacy in athletics and activism helped shape her early views on courage and leadership.

Evans said her grandmother’s work organizing human rights demonstrations during the 1968 Games taught her the importance of standing up for community and justice from a young age.

During her swearing-in remarks, Evans thanked the supporters and mentors who helped her reach this milestone.

“We made history together,” Evans said. “We believed in what this office can be when we lead with compassion, accountability and the right laser focus.”

She also thanked those who supported her campaign and career growth, specifically recognizing Federal Judge Richard Jones and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown for their guidance and ongoing leadership.

Evans’ own journey to public office included firsthand experiences with the legal system’s impact on everyday lives, shaping her belief that fairness and access should be foundational to justice. She grew up in a working-class household in the Pacific Northwest before pursuing higher education locally.

Evans earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington before attending Seattle University School of Law. Her career began in the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, first as an Assistant City Prosecutor and then as an Assistant City Attorney. Her experience expanded at the federal level, where she worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Department of Justice, serving in the Terrorism and Violent Crimes Unit and ultimately as Civil Rights Coordinator until March 2025.

In addition to her roles in prosecution and civil rights enforcement, Evans served as a pro tem municipal court judge in three Washington state jurisdictions, bringing a wide range of legal perspectives to her new position.

Evans has also contributed significantly to the legal community outside of government roles. She served as president of the Loren Miller Bar Association, one of the nation’s longest-standing minority bar associations. She is co-chair of the Washington Leadership Institute, which focuses on cultivating emerging leaders across sectors.

Her professional achievements have been recognized through honors such as the Seattle University School of Law Black Law Students Association Alumni of the Year Award and the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” distinction.

Describing her career, Evans spoke about the sacrifices and risks she took not for personal acclaim, but to create a better path for others.

“It wasn’t about the applause, it was about the sacrifice and taking a risk, just so that things might be better for other people,” Evans said. She acknowledged the legacy of her parents and grandparents, saying that legacy led her to a life of public service.

Evans explained that her work as a prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, and federal attorney was all driven by a desire to make meaningful contributions to justice. She also described a turning point in her career when civil rights protections came under threat, prompting her to take a stand.

“When we were seeing clear rollbacks in civil rights, I knew I needed to make a decision just like my grandfather did to stand up and fight back at what was happening,” she said.

In her new role as City Attorney, Evans said she plans to build stronger community trust in the justice system and center the office’s work on approaches that promote public safety without sacrificing fairness. She emphasized her commitment to integrity, compassion, and service for all Seattle residents.

Support for Evans’ leadership was evident throughout the ceremony, with several prominent officials in attendance. Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes praised her perspective and collaborative approach, noting his involvement in her transition planning.

“On this occasion, I think for our city, it is a good step forward to have people who have different perspectives about how to make our city safe, and I look forward to working with City Attorney Evans,” Barnes said. He noted that Evans surrounds herself with skilled professionals committed to community safety.

Judge Richard Jones, who administered the oath of office, expressed his pride in Evans’ accomplishments and confidence in her future contributions.

“It was an amazing opportunity to administer the oath to Erika Evans, as the new City Attorney,” Jones said. “She’s going to make history and she’s going to represent the entirety of the City of Seattle.”

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, who has known Evans’ work for over a decade, shared his enthusiasm for her leadership.

“I was incredibly excited for Erika and for the City of Seattle,” Brown said. “She’s the right person at the right time and I think we’re going to be in good hands with her leadership.”